This is a Full-time, hourly, non-exempt position; working from Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 pm to 8:00 am, as needed.

The primary role of the Lead Youth Care Specialist (YCS) is to serve as the primary point of contact in case of a crisis or emergency during their shift. The Lead Youth Care Specialist provides support to the youth and staff in the Caminos program. The Lead Youth Care Specialist ensures that day-to-day supervision of youth is consistent with Residing Hope standards and is aligned with the policies and procedures of the Office of Refugee Resettlement/Everstand

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent and two (2) plus years’ experience working with at risk youth preferred; or any combination of training, education and experience which would provide the required knowledge, abilities and skills to successfully perform in this role.
• Ability to work with youth whose behaviors can reflect that of trauma related experiences.
• Must have strong communication skills including accurate and detailed writing abilities for shift notes and incident reports.
• Ability to work effectively with co-workers.
• Ability to set appropriate limits and boundaries with clients.
• Ability to appropriately handle confidential issues.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and make sound decisions.
• Ability to observe individuals and report accurate findings.
• Ability to handle emergencies and follow appropriate protocols.
• Ability to build trusting relationships with clients and effectively engage clients from diverse cultures.
• Ability to maintain sensitivity to our target population’s cultural and socioeconomic characteristics.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as primary Point of Contact while on duty and will adhere to following program policies and procedures in managing emergencies as they arise.
• Ensures that the staff to resident ratio is adequate and consistent with the agency policy.
• Ensure line of sight and sound supervision of DCF and ORR standards are maintained at all times.
• Maintain the order, safety, cleanliness of the facility, housekeeping and adequate supervision of residents at all times. If no youth are present in the program and/or youth are unable to perform their chores due to illness, quarantine or refusal, staff will complete cleaning tasks including but not limited to: sweep/mop/vacuum floors, dusting, laundry, wipe down surface areas, window cleaning, cleaning of bathrooms, youth bedrooms, collecting and taking our trash, and cleaning company vehicles.
• Plan and provide for the safe transportation of youth to various activities that may include, but not limited to outings, court/legal appointments, meals out, medical appointments, etc.
• Demonstrates safety in wearing appropriate PPE when working with youth who are under a quarantine setting, this includes youth waiting for test-results or those deemed positive of an infectious disease, including but not limited to Covid-19.
• Provide for the nutritional needs of the youth including the preparation of culturally sensitive meals according to approved dietary menu, along with serving and cleaning up from meals.
• Provide for the health and clothing needs of each youth in the cottage. This includes distribution of medications and proper documentation of medication. Clothing and hygiene needs are to be communicated through the Unit Supervisor.
• Demonstrates an understanding of trauma informed practices through the promotion of safety, consistent care, supervision and support to residents of the Caminos Program.
• Ensures consistent implementation of each resident’s individual service plan through participation in the development of unit activities, life skill exercises and recreation activities as well as through identifying opportunities for acculturation and spiritual life awareness.
• Provides direct supervision of youth and completes required documentation including daily notes and incident reports.
• Actively ensures safety of the environment by encouraging youth to participate in maintaining established standards of cleanliness and orderliness in their living unit and the surrounding campus.
• Conduct oneself as a “role model” for the youth; establish and maintain professional boundaries with youth in the cottage; provide appropriate direction for youth in their daily routines; give youth positive reinforcement as appropriate.
• Assist with preparing residents for airline travel, accompanying residents to the airport as needed and accompanying residents on fly outs with 24 hours advanced notice.
• In line with federal regulations, conducts intake procedures within 24 hours of entry to the program. Ensures that all new residents are provided with a warm welcome to the program, have their basic needs met in a timely manner and are provided within information pertaining to the program rules and expectations as well as their rights and responsibilities.
• Attend and actively participate in staff meetings and/or training as required.
• Demonstrate professional interactions with external stakeholders, including legal representatives and child advocates, as well as family members and identified sponsors while also ensuring that proper care is taken to maintain the confidentiality and privacy of each resident.
• Completes assigned unit system responsibilities and documentation including the completion of a thorough inventory for each resident’s belongings upon admission, discharge and on a quarterly basis.
• Demonstrates knowledge and compliance of health and safety standards through on-site inspections according to agency guidelines.
• Promotes effective communication and demonstrates the ability to receive, transmit, store and retrieve information through the timely submission of documentation and compliance with logbook policy as well as active participation in unit meetings.
• Demonstrates an understanding of the value of cultural diversity, including the ability to develop systems and practices that are inclusive of diverse staff members and responsive to the cultural needs of the client population served.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and familiarity with Residing Hope and Everstand/Office of Refugee Resettlement Policy and Procedures relating to the care and supervision of Unaccompanied Children. This includes knowledge of legal background and authority governing the practice as related to working with Unaccompanied Children.
• Provides mandatory on-call coverage as required.
• Fosters quality and diversity in problem identification and conflict resolution among residents and co-workers.
• Perform all other job duties and responsibilities, as assigned.

Employment Requirements

• Valid driver license with a clean driving record, required.
• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED equivalent, required.
• Ability to read, write and speak proficiently in both English and Spanish, required.
• Ability to provide proof of, obtain, and/or maintain the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) currently required immunizations (which are subject to change per ORR guidance).

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.